A disappointing fifth-place finish last year prompted Laporte to abandon the tried and tested in favour of a fresh, youthful approach.

In came the likes of Damien Traille, Frederik Michalak, Aurelien Rougerie and Clement Poitrenaud - a host of backs whose vigour and invention promise to take Gallic rugby back to the days of Sella and Blanco.

And the injection of youth paid instant dividends as France completed autumn Test victories over South Africa, Fiji and Australia.

Italy's development since their second successive wooden spoon has been less obvious, despite their domestic game taking giant strides forward.

In the autumn, the national federation agreed to widen the scope for selection, bringing the Azzurri into line with all other nations.

Nevertheless, Laporte maintains Italy are a threat to his championship-chasing side.

"We must not be too confident because they have given us two tough matches in the previous Six Nations games," he said. "However, if we continue the progress curve we followed during the winter we must have a great chance of victory.

"The young players, and indeed the older ones, must not forget how we got to such a high level of performance.

"And that is through greater discipline which will be vital against Italy as Diego Dominguez will punish us."